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What to Watch: Oklahoma takes on Alabama in Sugar Bowl; Avs host Flyers

Nick Saban

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, foreground, heads to the team bus after speaking to the media upon arrival at Miami International Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 in Miami. Alabama takes on Notre Dame in the BCS national championship NCAA college football game next Monday in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

New Years Day is traditionally one of, if not the, biggest college football days of the year. Some of the more intriguing match ups certainly lived up the hype. The Rose Bowl celebrated its 100th anniversary with a great game between Michigan State and Stanford, with Sparty squeaking out a 24-20 victory. Nebraska helped get the Big Ten another impressive victory, beating Georgia 24-19 in the Gator Bowl. Iowa and Wisconsin didn't fare as well, losing to LSU and South Carolina, respectively. Tonight brings us another great BCS matchup, with Oklahoma facing off against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Alabama seemed to be in the drivers seat in the BCS until the final game of the season, losing to Auburn 34-28 in unforgettable fashion. Bob Stoops has led Oklahoma to yet another strong season, finishing the regular season 10-2. Their only loses came to the hands of bitter rival Texas and Big XII champion Baylor. I have to think Alabama has the edge in this match up. They have a seasoned roster, led by three year start AJ McCarron, who have played in huge BCS games before. Look for the Crimson Tide to make up for their heart breaking lose in Auburn and take home the Sugar Bowl trophy.

The Flyers are probably a little bit upset that they have to leave the suddenly friendly confines of our neighbors to the north. Philadelphia wrapped up a three game road trip through Canada on Tuesday night with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. The Flyers won their previous two games against Edmonton and Vancouver, both in shoot outs. The black and orange will look to continue their road luck tonight against former Bear Semyon Varlamov and the Colorado Avalanche. Varlamov looked to be in hot water after a domestic violence arrest several weeks ago. He quickly returned to the Avalanche and kept his starting job. The charges against Sergei will dropped recently, so he no longer has the threat of jail or deportation hanging over his head. The Avs have had their own worries as of late. Colorado has been in the top of the western conference for much of the season, but they have lost four of their last five, snapping their four game skid against Columbus on Tuesday. I think the Flyers will continue their strong offensive play and win this one, with a little help from Steve Mason.

As hot as the Flyers have been as of late, the Capitals and Hurricanes have been equally cold. The Hurricanes have lost five of their last six, while the Caps have lost four of their last five. Fortunately for both teams, this isn't soccer, and somebody has to win this game at some point. These two teams faced off in Carolina two weeks ago, with Washington coming out on top 4-2. I think this game will turn out similarly. The Capitals still have Ovechkin, which is a sure fire way to get out of a slump. Ovy can turn it on at any moment, and a huge offense burst is exactly what the Capitals need right now. Looks for Washington to hold off the visiting 'Canes.